Do Black Cats Crossing Your Path Bring Bad Luck
I enjoy evening coffee with my 11 year old niece as we sit on our porch and look at the things happening on our street. That’s when she uttered something strange. “Oh, God! It’s a black cat. We should go inside. My friend says that black cats bring bad luck”.
This intrigued me to find out why black cats are considered unlucky by so many people in the world. Join me in this journey and together we will find out why are black cats associated with bad luck and what to do if a black cat crosses your path.
What Do Black Cats Symbolize?
As per a report, black cats irrespective of their age and sex, take the longest time to adopt. This shows that we have blindly accepted this myth. The other explanation is that humans are inherently racists. The question remains.. What do black cats symbolize? During the Middle Ages in Europe, black cats were often linked to witches and were believed to have magical powers.
This is exactly what’s still followed in books and TV shows. A witch with a black cat, wooden broomstick, and bubbling potions. Even Halloween is associated with black cats. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Many people have said in research that black cats keep your home safe and protect you from curses.
On the other hand, a study has found that in ancient Egypt, black cats were revered and associated with the goddess Bastet, symbolizing protection and fertility. In Japanese folklore, black cats are considered to bring good fortune, especially if you spot them frequently.
After reading about all these good omens, the question of why black cats are considered unlucky becomes moot. The symbolism is different in each culture.
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Origins Of Black Cat Superstitions
The origins of why are black cats associated with bad luck and evil spirits can be traced back to a mix of ancient beliefs and historical events. The first gossip started in medieval Europe where black cats were often associated with witches and the supernatural.
The reason behind this is as absurd as you can imagine. It was because of their nocturnal habits and dark skin color. Back during the days, black color was considered bad and so the superstition garnered more attention than it should have.
People believed that witches could transform into black cats and that they used those innocent cats to perform magic. This exact association with witchcraft is what led to black cats being viewed in a negative light.
Why Do People Think Black Cats Crossing Your Paths Are Unlucky?
The other day, my husband and I were heading out and we saw a sight that started a fight between us — a black cat crossing your path while driving. I didn’t mind but my partner was furious.
He thought something bad would definitely happen and I told him he was being silly. Then he muttered, “It’s not just me. The whole world thinks they are bad spirits.” And he was right. Most people do consider this as a sign of bad luck. Why? Because people think it will bring us misfortune. Apart from the ancient European belief, even Greek mythology associated black cats with witchcraft.
Furthermore, records show that black cats were linked to black magic even during the 13th century. On June 13, 1233, Pope Gregory IX issued a church document called “Vox in Rama”. In this Christianity document, he declared that black cats were manifestations of Satan. Hence, a cat black cat crossing from right to left meaning for people even today remains the same. It’s a manifestation of satan or witchcraft.
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Do Black Cats Only Bring Bad Luck?
Is it a myth that black cats bring bad luck? Very much so. The idea is nothing but a historical old wives’ tale. Even if you do cross a black cat and you happen to spill coffee on your favorite shirt, it’s just a coincidence. Let’s not blame them for your clumsy hands.
In India where the majority of the people practice Hinduism, the spiritual meaning of crossing paths with a black cat means bad luck. It’s inauspicious.
Some other countries and their belief with black cats include:
- Asia & UK: Owning a black cat is considered a sign of good fortune
- Japan: You’ll find love if you spot a black cat
- Europe: Sailors will have a safe journey if they see a black cat before boarding the ship
- Scotland: Seeing a black cat on your porch is a sign of prosperity
- France: People here believe that something magical will happen if you spot a black cat
What To Do If A Black Cat Crosses Your Path?
If a black cat crosses your path, there is no need to panic even if you believe that they bring bad omen. Here’s what to do if a black cat crosses your path:
- Some people spit at the spot they saw the black cats. People also spit to avoid negative energy.
- You can also try this ancient hack: Walk in a circle, go back to the spot where they saw the cat, and count to thirteen
- Or you can try a friendlier approach. Smile and say hello to the cat and change your perspective
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Can You Reverse Black Cat Bad Luck?
There are so many myths and facts about animals that surface on the internet now and then. It is important to understand what’s right and logical.
Stop saying “A black cat ran in front of my car. How can I reverse it?”. You can’t reverse the past no matter what. Instead, use it as an opportunity to see the situation with a fresh outlook.
The thing here is let’s not consider cats to be anything, whether the cat is black, white, ginger, or gray. They are just cats. And as for luck, it is what you make of it. It has nothing to do with the color of the cat.
Conclusion: Busting The Black Cat Myth
The superstitions are so steeped in that it is going to be one hell of a task to convince everyone that black cats don’t invite negativity in our lives. Change begins at home, or so they say. Let me try convincing my niece first and then I’ll expand my horizons. But one thing is certain. A black cat crossing their path is just a cat on a walk — nothing more, nothing less.
